Handsome in Form and Appearance: Hints of Mutilation in the Joseph Narrative

Connections between the Joseph narrative and Egyptian history or mythology have been made by many scholars. In this paper, I read several events in the Joseph narrative against the background of facial mutilation as an Egyptian punishment for adultery in court documents and mythological narratives. I argue that the Joseph Narrative hints at facial mutilation as Joseph’s punishment for adultery in addition to his imprisonment. This interpretation fits with Egyptian narratives that have previously been compared to the Joseph narrative as well as Egyptian court documents. It also explains why Joseph is imprisoned rather than killed, his brothers’ inability to recognize him, and the strange seating arrangement at the dinner (Joseph eating alone).